Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum exploded for 51 points on Sunday, snapping a recent run of poor outings in an emphatic way. Tatum was unstoppable on Sunday, having his way against the Washington Wizards. The 23-year-old shot 18-for-28 from the field, en route to his 51 points and the Celtics' 116-87 win. With Sunday's outing still fresh in mind, we'll go over the five best games of Tatum's career leading up to his monster performance against the Wizards.

 

Jayson Tatum's 5 Greatest Games

5. 41 points – Celtics-Pelicans, 1/11/20

While this was a pretty standard regular-season game for the Celtics, it was the first time Tatum topped the 40-point mark in his career. Tatum scored 41 against the Pelicans in a statement 140-105 victory for the Celtics. Tatum reached his then-career-high on just 30 minutes of floor time, hitting an incredible 16-of-22 field goals, including an impressive 6-of-9 from 3-point territory. Additionally, Tatum didn't turn the ball over a single time in the Celtics' win, while coming away with three steals. Tatum's first 40-point showing was so much more than that, as he played a complete game and contributed in all facets for the Celtics.

4. 53 points – Celtics-Timberwolves, 4/09/21 

Jayson Tatum had one of the best games of his NBA career last April against the Timberwolves. The Celtics' star dropped 53 points against the Timberwolves in the late-season game back in 2021, providing 10 rebounds, four assists, and one block. Tatum was on fire during the April battle, hitting 16-of-25 field goal attempts and converting on 15-of-16 free throws. The 50-point double-double was one of Tatum's most dominant games ever, as he led the Celtics from a double-digit deficit at halftime to a 145-136 overtime victory. Tatum inspired the Celtics' huge comeback and was red hot from all over the field as he hit shot after shot to sink the Timberwolves.

3. 50 points – Celtics-Wizards, 5/18/21

This game took place at a key time for the Celtics. In a win-or-go-home game against the Washington Wizards in the NBA Playoffs' Play-In Tournament, Tatum went above and beyond the call of duty. Tatum put up 50 against the Wizards, paving the way for the Celtics to cruise into the next round of the playoffs. It wasn't the most efficient night for Tatum, as he hit on just 14-of-32 field goal attempts, including going 5-for-12 from 3-point range, but he put the team on his back as he navigated the victory to keep Boston in the postseason. Tatum finished the game with a +/- of +25, the highest mark in the game, during what was his third of four 50-point outings in a two-month span.

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2. 50 points – Celtics-Nets, 5/28/21

Just 10 days after Tatum lifted the Celtics over the Wizards with a 50-point game in the Eastern Conference Play-In game, he was back at it again against the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference Finals. In a critical game against the Nets, Tatum went off for another 50 points in Boston's Game 3 win. Not only did Tatum power the Celtics to victory, but he also managed to out-duel the tandem of James Harden and Kevin Durant, who combined for 80 points themselves. Tatum shot 16-for-30 from the field and 5-for-11 from 3-point range, while also corralling six rebounds and distributing seven assists. It was another complete performance for Tatum in what was ultimately the Celtics' lone win of the series.

1. 60 points – Celtics-Spurs, 4/30/21

Jayson Tatum's 60-point game against the San Antonio Spurs remains the best game of basketball we've seen from the star throughout his NBA career. Tatum scored 60 points against the Spurs back in April of 2021, during a 143-140 OT win for the Celtics. Tatum converted on 20-of-37 of his field-goal attempts, including 5-for-7 from 3-point territory, and 15-for-17 from the charity stripe. The game vs. the Spurs remains the only time Tatum has reached 60 points in his career, and it was a truly special night for the Duke product as he set his career-high in scoring in a hard-fought win.